Reacting to reports of an increase by 2,000 'shakhas' mainly in states like UP, some senior RSS functionaries said it could be exaggerated.

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NAGPUR: Reports from across the country speak of a phenomenal growth this year in the number of 'shakhas' (the basic unit through which networking happens), but top leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh refuse to acknowledge it as Narendra Modi effect.

Reacting to reports of an increase by 2,000 'shakhas' mainly in states like UP, some senior RSS functionaries said it could be exaggerated and even attributed it to political opportunism that is a norm in northern states from where a Sangh surge is reported. "Otherwise, we see this as an organic growth as a result of sustained efforts put in by the Sangh in the last three years. In last two years the increase in shakhas is by a similar volume. So it is not wrong to link this with elections or the charisma of Modi who is tipped to lead the BJP to a splendid win in Lok Sabha elections," said RSS spokesman Manmohan Vaidya.

After television networks expanded in a big way couple of decades ago and the younger generation got glued to the idiot box, there was indeed a sudden dip in the attendance at shakhas and many of them folded up. Worried by it, the RSS adopted a number of measures like changing timing and frequency of the 'shakhas' from daily to weekly and even monthly, explained Sangh's regional secretary Ravindra Joshi. He admitted that even issues like changing uniform — from the trademark khaki shorts and white shirt - to full length trousers came up for discussion in the organization. But the decision was kept on hold.

"I do not believe Modi or the elections are the reason for rise in 'shakhas', if any. There is no abnormal growth. The expansion has taken place at a natural rate," said Nagpur city Sangh head Dr Dilip Gupta.

"Far from the perception that seems to be gaining ground, politics is not the core of our activity. The 'shakha' is designed towards character building among youngsters and reaffirming of commitment to nation-building by the elders," said a senior RSS activist who did not want to be identified.

Contrary to reports that spoke of lakhs of Sangh activists being drafted in election campaign this time, the senior activist denied there was any compulsion or even instruction to work for BJP. "But it is a fact that the RSS saw the BJP is a lesser evil and the activists joined hands to work against the Congress and its allies as they saw the nation had suffered immensely because of corruption and ill-governance in the last decade. Throwing out Congress from power was seen as the only solution," said the activist. "Like the common people, the RSS swayamsevak also wanted change and worked towards it," the supporter summed up.

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After television networks expanded in a big way couple of decades ago and the younger generation got glued to the idiot box, there was indeed a sudden dip in the attendance at shakhas and many of them folded up.